Most useful information for higher education

What the personal income test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate is

We use the ABSTUDY personal income test if you’re 16 or older, or an independent Australian Apprentice.

What the personal and partner assets tests for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate are

We use the assets test to help us work out if you can get ABSTUDY and how much you’ll get.

How we test partner income for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

If you’re independent and you have a partner, we’ll assess their gross income. This is the income they get before any deduction, like tax.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Parental income test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

The parental income test is part of the parental means test. We use it to assess your parents or guardians income to work out if you can get ABSTUDY.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Changes to income for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

Changes to your parents’ or guardians’ income can change your payment rate. Your payment may also change if your siblings' situations change.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Maintenance income test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

Your parents or guardians may get maintenance income to support you or your siblings. If they do, this income may affect your payment.

1. How to manage your participation requirements
2. Getting a medical certificate

What happens when you give us a medical certificate for Disability Support Pension

We use your medical certificate to work out if you need an exemption from your participation requirements. This is so you can keep getting Disability Support Pension while you recover.

1. Meeting participation requirements if you’re under 35
2. How to manage your participation requirements

Getting a medical certificate for Disability Support Pension

You may be exempt from meeting your participation requirements for a short time if you’re sick or injured. You’ll need to give us a medical certificate.

1. Austudy
2. Who can get it

Getting a medical certificate for Austudy

You may be able to get an exemption from your Austudy requirements if you give us a medical certificate.

1. Youth Allowance for students and Australian Apprentices
2. Who can get it

Getting a medical certificate for Youth Allowance for students and apprentices

You may be able to get an exemption from your Youth Allowance study or apprenticeship requirements with a medical certificate.